“Grey Market” cameras (Page 2): The warranty seems to be the leading word.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

The Villages wrote:

To my knowledge, the main concern has to do with the ability to have the manufacturer service the camera if needed, not so much the "warranty" issue. Nikon will not service Gray market cameras, BUT Canon will.

The warranty seems to be the leading word.

BebuLamar

Since Canon will service gray market cameras for a fee and if you get the camera at significantly lower price then it may be OK to hope the camera won't have any problem within the first year.

repleo Loc: Boston

MickiV wrote:

I purchased a Canon camera from Amazon. While trying to register with Canon, I was informed I could not register it because it was a “grey market” camera! My dilemma now..... do I keep it or send it back?? So far the camera works great (Canon 90 d)

Apologies if this issues has already been discussed.

If you are worried about not having the manufacturer’s warranty go to Squaretrade or Upsie and see what a third party warranty will cost you. If you got a good deal on the camera you may still be ahead over the cost of the USA version of the camera. As long as the menu system and manual is in English and the charger has the correct plug, you camera will be the same as the US version.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I would send it back - just for piece of mind. If you ever sell it, would you tell potential buyers that it's an imported model? I'm not sure what difference it makes to Canon USA, but you should look into that.

JOHNERIKSSON Loc: CENTRAL WISCONSIN

send it back. ASAP There is no way you can ever get service when it breaks

BebuLamar

JOHNERIKSSON wrote:

send it back. ASAP There is no way you can ever get service when it breaks

The OP bought a Canon (not a Nikon) so Canon will service the OP's camera but just not under warranty. So all the OP lost is the one year warranty.

SaratogaMan

Would you share the names of those vendors, so that others might save money also? We might be willing to take the risk.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

MickiV wrote:

I purchased a Canon camera from Amazon. While trying to register with Canon, I was informed I could not register it because it was a “grey market” camera! My dilemma now..... do I keep it or send it back?? So far the camera works great (Canon 90 d)

Apologies if this issues has already been discussed.

If you are a Prime member, returns are effortless since you are unhappy (that is all it takes) - I've never had an issue with Amazon with purchase returns - one great example, ordered new front brake calipers/rotors/pads for my daughters Honda (Callahan was the vendor - new, not rebuilts) installing them realized someone must have stripped the mounting hole on the passenger side caliper, and returned it (inspector must have missed it)....factory Honda bolts would not catch. I told them I wanted a replacement caliper - had already installed everything on the left side. They sent me a shipping label, I shipped the caliper...a few days later they refunded the entire purchase (a fair amount of money)!!! I have no complaints about Amazon.

Now to your issue:

The Canon Store on Amazon sells it for $1,199, and so does B&H ($1,199), Amazon claims the Canon warranty is available, and B&H says it's in the box. It is only a year warranty, but the "grey market" thing will hurt if you ever do actually need a repair, and would hurt resale value some. If you bought cheaper, you'd have to decide. By the way, looks like a wonderful camera.

Note: Even buying used and Mfg. Refurbs, I have cameras that are over 10 yrs. old and never ever had a problem (hopefully saying that won't change my outcome!!!). Probably 97% of the time, no issue, but if you do get the bad apple............. You could use it till near end of return window, then make your choice....

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I will repeat what others are saying. If you did not know or if it was not advertised as gray market I will call that deceptive advertisement. In that case I will return the camera.
As has already been stated, if there is a problem with the camera you will not be covered in this country by a warranty.

User ID

nervous2 wrote:

If you paid full price (check B&H and Adorama), then send it back. If you got an absolutely screaming deal, then maybe roll the dice and keep it. I have purchased some gray market items and so far I have had no problems. Good luck.

Sound advice ... for non-Nikon items !

The item of concern here is a Canon :-)

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

twosummers wrote:

I regularly buy from Hong Kong - my suppliers have... (show quote)

Yeah. Me too also.
I get a "guarantee" from Paypal. If it works for 90 days it'll probably work for 5 years.
I've also gotten a few lenses from Japan. Some seem odd .. they work and fit well on my Nikons, so I'm happy

agillot

sound like TESLA .

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

MickiV wrote:

I purchased a Canon camera from Amazon. While trying to register with Canon, I was informed I could not register it because it was a “grey market” camera! My dilemma now..... do I keep it or send it back?? So far the camera works great (Canon 90 d)

Apologies if this issues has already been discussed.

Girlfriend bought me a new D7100 when she went to Japan four-five years ago. All I asked was to get me an English speaker. Have never had even the slightest problem⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐❤️

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

posting below.

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

It's a crap shoot. If you don't have any issues with it than you are good to go.
A friend of mine was in Japan in the 80's. I got him to buy me 2 Nikon F4's. Grey market of course. I think I had a problem with one of them but we had a local guy that was Nikon certified.

With all of the electronics involved now, might be a different story.

If it was not advertised as "grey" market, and you can find a similar deal, I would send it back.